If James is reading this, you have my sympathy. I was in your state but only a little more fortunate because during my time (2003), I only spent $70K. Came back 2004 and waited till 2006 when I have a lucky turn of luck and got a commercial job with a local carrier. I need to stress on luck and contacts here. Know the correct person at the right time. Nothing to do with good or lousy grades.
For those who commented that he scored lousy grade, blaming the wrong people etc. What do you know regarding this industry? I was like him not granted an interview, but after I went to a MP for help, I finally got an interview and I went through the selection process even including the medical, and I even passed the medical only to be told unsuccessful after 3 months of waiting that felt like 3 years.
Mind you, SIA’s advertisement for cadet pilot always quote this at the bottom, “Those who attended tea party or final interview and unsuccessful need not apply”. It’s really like they gave MP face and made me through to the last stage and drop me once and for all so that I need not apply ever again. Maybe because they sincerely find me unsuitable to fly their aircraft. Hey guess what? I am happily flying now and with my outstanding performance, given an early promotion. Their lost not mine.
There’s no such thing as good or lousy grade, its either you pass or you fail in aviation. If I remember the criteria for SIA, minimum GCE A level with pass in GP. You can be the best cadet in your own private flying school but if you don’t have that, you don’t have a chance at all. Yet I have heard of exception in the airline. For those who suggest him to go elsewhere, did you pass your basic English because he (James) did clearly stated that other countries gave priority to their own, or most of the time they don’t even consider FT. And I concur.
For those who said probably because of his lousy grade. Do you know that SIA lay off pilots during bad times that include local? Don’t you think they should get rid of those FT first? I personally know some of them with excellent training grades who only work for SIA only 3 years flying only 70 hours in total. These days, flying for them no more iron rice bowl, mind you. Think about the sweat and effort these boys put in during NS for the Nation and now lay off by a National Carrier.
For those who so critical about the term cadet pilot, what do you know? I was a private candidate in SFC, but I do know of cadet pilot who doesn’t have contract with SIA but they went through the full training, having to observe all SIA/SFC rules and regulations like all cadets with contract. I call them cadet pilot.
For those who doesn’t understand the meaning of low hours. Minimum requirement of commercial pilot license with multi engine instrument rating will be around 270 hours plus about 30 instrument hours on small little twin so as to cross over to Jet Aircraft. Major airlines will only consider pilot’s application if they have at least 3000 hours on type, meaning if that airline looking for B777 pilot, you must have 3000hrs on that aircraft. You think so easy to strike? What if you have only 3000hours on A320? And you think hours easy to accumulate? You have to fly in a country that issue you a license that CAAS with recognize and that will only be Hong Kong and Malaysia. If not, there will be a whole lot of extra exams to take and mind you, things that we study to be a commercial pilot, you will fail if you do not have a passion to fly or be a commercial pilot so as to earn good money for yourself and family so that life can be better. I think he deserve your apologies for talking nonsense here.
For those whose friend is a pilot with SIA telling him no need to pay for training, your friend is either ignorant or lying to you. SIA make pilots who completed their training pay the training course fee back within an agreed period of time of course at a discounted rate, and it can be as low as $500 a month until the amount its fully paid!
For those telling him to do something else only clearly show how goalless your life’s are. He’s a man with a passion for something, and if he has no rights to voice his displeasure on an unfair system and just move on to be a cleaner, I will also be on your side.
For those who commented on his stupidity, what do you know about passion for a career? Its not just a job to us. I know a lot of other people who scored excellent grade in their private aviation training still waiting for the door to open. They are either flying as instructors in Malaysia because they still have to pay their bills, or as flight dispatchers. There’s a Chinese saying if you can be the emperor, who wants to be a beggar? As for me, I was one of the luckier ones who found a right door at the right time opening for me. That’s why I appreciate what I have now and sympathize James.
For those who doesn’t sympathize James, I wish that your life will forever be smooth sailing because if you hit an obstacle, and start writing in this forum, I will be the first one criticizing your stupidity.
I guess your life and job are always smooth sailing without any obstacles and you have no complains about anything, good on you, but remember not everyone out there have the same fate and luck. If you don’t share his agony and sorrow don’t spit on his passion, moron.
I salute those fallen angels out there, don’t lose your passion and get your wings ready, for the door will open when the time is right and be ready to fly.
